In a major update to streamline attendance tracking and improve biometric accuracy, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced that all medical colleges across India will transition to a face-based Aadhaar authentication system starting May 1, 2025. This new system will operate via the NMC AEBAS (Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System) platform and will replace the current fingerprint-based method.
The initiative is designed to make attendance logging more user-friendly and efficient by utilizing facial recognition technology already in use across various government departments via NIC. Medical colleges must now implement this change through a mobile app-based interface.
Key Highlights:
- Effective Date: Full transition to face authentication begins May 1, 2025.
- Trial Period: The face-based system will be activated for testing and familiarization from April 24, 2025.
- Support Deadline: Any technical issues must be reported to the AEBAS technical team by April 30, 2025.
- Discontinuation of Fingerprint Devices: From May 1, fingerprint-based attendance will no longer be accepted.
Required Actions for Medical Colleges:
- Share GPS Coordinates:
Colleges must identify and submit GPS coordinates (covering 100-meter zones) for designated attendance areas on campus. These should be submitted using the format in Annexure-I, with the signature and stamp of the Dean/Principal, by April 20, 2025, via email to support.aebas@nmc.org.in.- Email Subject Format:
"Face AEBAS - <College Name> - <State>" - Multiple coordinates can be submitted to ensure full campus coverage.
- Email Subject Format:
- App Installation for Faculty:
All faculty members must install the Face Aadhaar Authentication App on their smartphones. The app is available on both Android and iOS platforms.- Minimum device specs:
- Android: Version 9+, 4GB+ RAM, 5MP+ Camera
- iOS: Version 14 and above
- Minimum device specs:
- App Activation and Training:
- The app will be live from April 24 for initial usage and testing.
- Manuals for installation and usage are provided in the official circular.
- Nodal Officer Appointment:
Colleges must appoint a nodal officer and include their contact details in the submission email.
Attendance Process Using Face Authentication:
- Faculty will use the FACE BAS App to mark attendance:
- Open the app and select the domain: NMC&NCH.
- Enter the 8-digit Attendance ID and submit.
- Choose the designated entry point.
- Tap “Scan Biometric” and align the face for recognition.
- The system will confirm the attendance (entry/exit) on screen.
- The app will use the Aadhaar database (CIDR) for facial recognition, replacing fingerprint/iris scans.
Additional Features in the App:
- Geo-fencing Policy Updates
- Attendance Notifications
- Transaction Logs – showing the last 20 attendance records with timestamp, UIDAI response, and status.
General Usage Guidelines:
- Ensure proper lighting while scanning the face.
- Follow on-screen instructions during the scan.
- Avoid multiple people or objects in the camera background during authentication.
This move reflects NMC’s commitment to integrating modern technology into healthcare education administration, ensuring both transparency and convenience for faculty across all medical institutions in India.